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Social Services

Overview
Curriculum
Outcomes
Faculty
Cost
Scholarships
Requirements

Overview

careers

Addiction Counselor
Benefits Specialist
Case Manager
Corrections Officer
Family Services Specialist
Probation Officer
Program Coordinator
Rehabilitation Coordinator
Social Work Associate
Mental Health Aide
Victim’s Advocate
Youth Supervisor

If you’re passionate about helping others and making a difference in your community, the Social Services program at Mitchell Tech is designed for you.

Mitchell Tech’s Social Services program prepares students for careers in human and social services, including work with children, adolescents, adults, seniors, and individuals facing mental health, substance abuse, housing, or justice-related challenges. Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on fieldwork, and supervised practicum experiences, students gain the knowledge and real-world skills needed to support people through difficult life situations.

This two-year (four-semester) AAS degree program provides training in case management, communication, advocacy, crisis intervention, ethics, cultural competency, and community resource coordination. Students learn from experienced instructors and working professionals while building the confidence to work effectively with people from diverse cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.

Graduates of the Mitchell Tech Social Services program are prepared for entry-level positions in a wide range of social service settings, including residential facilities for youth and adults, case management and community support services, retirement communities, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, substance abuse programs, mental health and behavioral health agencies, juvenile justice and criminal justice organizations, and nonprofit and community service agencies.

With strong demand for trained social service professionals, a Social Services degree from Mitchell Tech can open the door to a meaningful career focused on advocacy, support, and improving the lives of others.

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ADDITIONAL INFO

Graduates of the Mitchell Technical College Social Services program are eligible to sit for the Social Work Associates exam for the Social Work Associate level of licensure in South Dakota.

Curriculum

Award: AAS Degree

Semesters

First Semester

HST101 > Intro to Human ServicesAn interdisciplinary approach to the understanding of human services. This course introduces students to the skills necessary for entry level, professional work and allows students to explore themselves as potential human services professionals. The helping processions will be examined, including a brief history of social welfare and human service agencies.3 credits

HST104 > Community ResourcesCommunity resources benefit individuals and families. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of community agencies, resources, and programs. This course will provide a broad overview of the resources and services available to a diverse population. Students examine agencies’ professional practices, as well as how these individuals resources fit into the community as a whole.3 credits

HST106 > Human Services PopulationsGeneral information about human populations. Students will be introduced to a variety of people from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, as well as information about the worldview or orientation that guides each culture. Discussions will involve the professional skills and awareness necessary for cultural sensitivity and bias along with age appropriate interactions.3 credits

HST112 > DisabilitiesAn introduction to working with people with disabilities. This course begins with brief overview of specific developmental disabilities. Included is general information regarding special education, residential services, vocational services, and other services for children and adults with disabilities. Students will explore personal beliefs and biases regarding people with disabilities.2 credits

HST128 > Self-CareThis course covers topics concerning wellness, holistic health, mind-body connection, health and wellness models, mental wellness, positive self-concept, stress management, diet, nutrition, weight control, aerobic and strength building exercise, healthy lifestyle behaviors and applications to life. Professional boundaries and guidelines are discussed to promote healthy working relationships.2 credits

CIS105 > Introduction to Computers3 credits

CPR100 > First Aid, CPR and AED0.5 credits

SSS100 > Student SuccessProvides a foundation for gaining the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for college success. Students will learn to make a successful transition to higher education by setting up a pattern of success that will last the rest of their lives. Students will define goals and develop thinking skills, learning strategies and personal qualities essential to both academic and career success.1 credit

Total Semester Hours17.5 credits

Second Semester

HST120 > Chemical and Substance AbuseA basic course in chemical, substance abuse and dependency. Students will be given brief overview of common chemical and substance abuses. The physiological, psychological, and social aspects of chemical and substance abuse will be examined. The role of the human services professional in assessing alcohol and drug abuse and dependency will be studied.3 credits

HST122 > Abuse and NeglectThis course discusses the different types of abuse and neglect involving children and adults and explores the definitions, indicators and causes of abuse, neglect and domestic violence. Students will learn about mandatory reporting laws and state welfare system. Investigation, assessment, and prevention efforts are highlighted.3 credits

HST124 > Case ManagementThe exchange of information between clients and the human service technician is crucial to the helping relationship. This course will introduce students to basic interviewing and record keeping skills as practiced in human services and community agencies. Skillful interviewing strategies will be observed and practiced through simulated activities and role playing.3 credits

HST130 > Behavioral Theory & PrinciplesPresents a behavior change approach in terms of basic principles, theory and treatment. This course will use science-based principles and procedures such as positive reinforcement, extinction, shaping, conditioning and modeling. Other topics covered will include behavioral techniques specific to Human Service Agencies in the Mitchell and surrounding areas.2 credits

HST131 > Human DevelopmentTracing the stages of human life from infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood into old age. This course covers the emotional, psychosocial, and developmental stages throughout the life cycle. Students will study the implications of these stages in a variety of professional and social settings.3 credits

> Math Elective3 credits

Total Semester Hours17 credits

Third Semester

HST210 > Family Dynamics3 credits

HST222 > Mental Health WellnessStudy of human behavior with emphasis on emotional and mental abnormalities and modes of treatment. The student will identify common mental illnesses and maladaptive behavior; to assist in planning client care. Discuss trends in the management of the individual and medical and psychological treatment.3 credits

HST226 > Group Practice3 credits

HST228 > Service LearningService learning is a structured learning experience that combines community service with academic instruction. It enables students to apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to meaningful service to the community. Students will engage in activities that address human and community needs, involve critical thinking, and create pathways for success.2 credits

HST230 > Career Internship PreparationPrepares students to enter internship. Students will begin to make the transition from classroom learning to a professional setting. On-site visits to various community agencies will be made. Topics include reinforcement in: supervisory relationships, safety issues, computer applications, data collection, record keeping, professionalism, and confidentiality.2 credits

> Communications Elective3 credits

> Social Scienced Elective3 credits

Total Semester Hours19 credits

Fourth Semester

HST240 > Crisis Intervention2 credits

HST242 > Intro to Gerontology2 credits

HST244 > Intro to CorrectionsFocuses on the corrections system in the United States. Students will learn about the correctional process of probation, institutionalization, and parole, along with human services careers within the corrections system. Services and programs available in the community and within institutions will be studied.2 credits

HST246 > Intro to Youth Services2 credits

HST250 > Social Welfare PoliciesThis course will review the development of American social welfare policy and involve the student in current issues of social welfare programs and policy. The course will provide a basic overview of American social policy and program development in such areas as poverty and income maintenance, employment, housing, health care, and social service organization. Throughout emphasis will be placed on the understanding of policies and programs in the social, economic and political context and the effect of these policies and programs on individuals and society. Students will achieve a familiarity with social welfare programs including SSI, SSDI, TANF, CHIP, WIC, etc.2 credits

HST290 > Internship6 credits

Total Semester Hours16 credits

Requirements

Admission Requirements

All students applying to the Social Services program must submit to a criminal background check at the student’s expense. Mitchell Technical College has partnered with CastleBranch to complete your background check. You will need to create a username and password. Details are available from the Admissions office. Please click here to begin the process.

Immunization Requirements

Program immunization requirements have to be met before entrance to fieldwork sites. See the instructor for details.

Graduation Requirements

Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or higher in all technical courses as a prerequisite to HST 290. Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or higher in their fieldwork in order to graduate.

Computer Requirements

This program allows you to bring your own laptop as long as it meets these minimum specifications:

Processor – Intel Core i Series (i3, i5, i7) or AMD Ryzen
Operating System – Windows 10
Webcam Recommended
Memory – 4 GB or more
Internal Storage – 64 GB or more
Microsoft Office is available at no charge as long as enrolled at Mitchell Tech
NO APPLE/MAC COMPUTERS

Outcomes

At the completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

Demonstrate skills to professionally interact with human service professionals, partnering agencies, and clients
Apply ethical and legal conduct to professional situations
Demonstrate skillset to work with vulnerable and disenfranchised populations
Identify community resources to manage and support human services delivery
Exhibit understanding of cultural competence with diverse populations
Apply theories, best practices, and skills to identify, plan, and support client situations
Apply effective interviewing skills
Apply critical thinking to real-world situations
Recognize warning signs of compassion fatigue

Annual Program Review

Check out the 2025-26 Annual Program Review for information on how faculty ensure the quality and effectiveness of the program.

Faculty

Cost

Other Required Costs

Books / Tools (estimated) $724

Scholarships

Mitchell Tech offers a variety of scholarships to qualified applicants. The application period runs from October 1 through November 1 for current students and January 1 through March 31 for incoming students.

Other Related Programs

If you’re interested in Social Services, you might also be interested in these other health science programs at Mitchell Tech.

Social Services

Overview

careers

Addiction Counselor

Benefits Specialist

Case Manager

Corrections Officer

Family Services Specialist

Probation Officer

Program Coordinator

Rehabilitation Coordinator

Social Work Associate

Mental Health Aide

Victim’s Advocate

Youth Supervisor

Curriculum

First Semester

Second Semester

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

Requirements

Admission Requirements

Immunization Requirements

Graduation Requirements

Computer Requirements

Outcomes

Faculty

Cost

Other Required Costs

Scholarships

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Registered Nursing (LPN to RN)

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Radiation Therapy

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